NAYEA Dethrone FRSC To Win 4th Gov. Sule Inter-Security Agencies Unity Cup
By Eche Amos
The Nasarawa State Youth Empowerment Agency (NAYEA) on Friday reclaimed the Governor Abdullahi Sule Inter-Security Agencies’ Unity Cup after a commanding 3–0 victory over defending champions, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in the final of the 4th edition of the tournament at the Lafia City Stadium.
The agency, formerly known as the Nasarawa State Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES), stunned pre-match favourites FRSC with a dominant performance that underscored their return to the summit of the competition, which they last won four years ago in the maiden edition.
Mohammed Rabiu opened the scoring for NAYEA in the 19th minute, setting the tone for the encounter, before Galadima Aliyu doubled the advantage shortly after the restart in the 47th minute. Bilyaminu Jamilu sealed the emphatic victory with a third goal to condemn Road Safety to a comprehensive defeat.
The colourful grand finale coincided with the 66th birthday anniversary of Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the event. The Governor marked the occasion by cutting two birthday cakes alongside Mrs. Rakiya Eche Amos and the General Manager of NAYEA, Alhaji Abdullahi Bala Likita, amid cheers from security personnel and football fans.
Governor Sule presented the winners’ medals and trophy to the captain of NAYEA and announced a cash donation of ₦2 million to the champions, while the runners-up, FRSC, received ₦1 million, in addition to other tournament prize money.
Congratulating both finalists, the Governor praised the organisers and participating agencies for the success of the tournament, describing it as a platform that promotes unity, discipline and camaraderie among security agencies.
“In this tournament, everyone is a winner, regardless of how you finished. I am hopeful that next year’s edition will be even more interesting,” the Governor said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development as a tool for peace and unity.
Earlier in the third-place playoff, debutants Nigerian Air Force (NAF) defeated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) 5–2 to secure third position.
Individual honours were also handed out at the end of the tournament. Gomina Eshimutu of FRSC emerged as the Most Valuable Player, while Abeson Junior of the Nigerian Air Force claimed the Golden Boot with eight goals. Emmanuel Babatunde of FRSC was named Best Goalkeeper, and Mohammed Ibrahim of NAYEA won the Best Coach award.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, congratulated Governor Sule on his birthday and commended his unwavering support for sports development in the state.
Also speaking, the proponent of the tournament and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Affairs, Comrade Hamza Ibrahim Moyi, expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and funding the competition, noting that it was designed to foster inter-agency cooperation, enhance personnel wellbeing and strengthen civil-security relations.
Twelve security agencies participated in the 2025 edition, including the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Vigilante Group of Nigeria and NAYEA.
The final was attended by top government officials and stakeholders, including the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji (SAN); Member representing Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulkarim Ari; commissioners, permanent secretaries, APC State Chairman Dr. Aliyu Bello, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Usman Galadima Basira, heads of security agencies and aides to the Governor.
